Rod Grams

Because what we are trying to do is target those who need the help, and that is about 6 or maybe 10 percent of the population. What the Vice President is doing and what you are talking about is bringing 100 percent of Americans under a new…

We have tried, but we have not had it scored yet and have not been able to get the numbers, but some of the projections we have say it will be under $40 billion a year, not the 258 or 253 the Vice President is talking about.

That is the deductible. The individual would pay 25 percent of the cost of the prescription, and then if they were at an income level you are talking about, it would be a $150 deductible with no caps or limits for the year; not the $4,000…

It would cover 100 percent of everything over a $25 copay and a $150-a-month deductible for those who are in that income level or above.

I disagree with the Vice President--if I may reclaim my time--and I will tell you why. Because, as you said, when it goes into effect in 2002, it is not fully implemented for 6 to 8 years. You might start off with a low payment, but it…

Not to belabor this debate, and it is good we are talking about it because the American people need to hear it, but over that amount of money you are talking about, we would still have a $25 copay, the $150 deductible, and then no cap at…

So you are saying the President's plan, when fully phased in, will be only $25 per month or are you talking about the initial plan with the coverage available with the caps and coverage?

My understanding is that in order to be a part of the Vice President's plan of receiving prescription drug coverage, one must pay a $50 premium per month, or new tax, in order to be involved in the system. You have one choice, one chance…

But his plan is not voluntary. You can voluntarily get in, but when you do not get in, you can't reapply. That is my understanding.

The Senator from Florida is inaccurate because in my own plan, my MEDS program is a copay and also has deductibles built in depending on wages or income. It is worked through Medicare and through the HCFA program. So, no, I do not oppose a…

I am not opposed to a surcharge or a prescription charge but a charge that is going to assume a new $600-per-year additional tax or cost on our seniors while providing very little in benefit that would overcome that cost.

I think he was bragging a little bit, maybe, about his uncle who is 80 years old and running in a marathon. I just congratulate him. How great that our senior citizens, because of the advances of medicine, can do that. I have a friend…

All I want to say is that if it is justifiable to increase taxes on our senior citizens to help supplement the Social Security system, it would be like increasing taxes on our farmers so we could give them a better farm bill. It would be…

On July 6th, the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC), published for public comment in the Federal Register, its proposed changes to its Uniform Policy for Classification of Consumer Installment Credit Based on…

Accordingly then, it is my view that the FFIEC should delay implementing any changes to its Uniform Policy for Classification of Consumer Installment Credit Based on Delinquency Status until it is clear whether and in what final form the…

I heard you say if this code were eliminated and replaced with a possible national sales tax, it could take up to 30 percent of a sales tax to replace what the Government has taken. Now, does that mean hidden behind all the hidden taxes…

I am not sure, but when you look at couples across the country who are unfairly paying $29 billion or 21 million couples across the country who are unfairly paying about $29 billion a year in taxes--if there are some discrepancies, we…

What I want to do is reduce the tax burden on families all across the board, but to start right away with what is the most unfair tax.

In closing I have talked with many EMT's, paramedics, and emergency nurses, and most tell me that they wouldn't think of doing anything else for their chosen career. So, in honoring them during this National EMS Week, I can think of no…

I want to rise today to introduce the Survivors of Torture Support Act and to ask my colleagues for their support, and I send the bill to the desk.

This provision is not intended to limit the U.S. Mint's use of technology or approach to design. We intend for the Mint to develop a dollar coin that meets the needs of the public and is not subject to counterfeiting. If the Mint believes…

The Committee is directing the Mint to develop the best possible dollar coin. We have not sought to limit the Mint or require a clad coin.

No, that provision is intended to be descriptive. The Mint is instructed to utilize anticounterfeiting technology.

I just really am concerned and disturbed by the fact that the President has used, as his primary excuse for vetoing the emergency flood relief bill, our inclusion of a measure that would go on to protect these very same victims this fall…